Christmas is always around the corner..... DYI Felt Christmas Ornaments!

There is no faster way to get in spirit of Christmas than to make some ornaments!  I like to work with felt because it is easy to work with, comes in a variety of colors, is earth friendly (since it's made from recycled plastic) and felt is child and pet friendly.

For Sewn Ornaments:

1. You can draw a pattern, print one from the Internet or even draw a circle around a cup to make Christmas balls. The ornament should be about 3 inches tall to look good. 
2. Fold it in half to make sure it is symmetrical when cutting it out. Cut out 2 pieces from the chosen color of felt.
3. Then cut out 2 small squares (about 3 / 4 an inch wide) from yellow felt for the top.
4. Cut a 6 inch piece of ribbon.
5. You will need about 4 or 5 cotton balls for the stuffing. Gently pull the cotton balls apart to make the cotton fluffy.
6. Begin by sewing the body of the ornament, place both pieces together, start at the top and work your way around. When you are about 3 / 4 of the way around start stuffing it with the cotton and continue stitching until you are back at the top.
7. Then place the yellow square pieces slightly overlapping the top. Sew these in place by going through all 4 pieces of felt in a running stitch (over and under formation).
8. When it is secure, sew on the ribbon inside the 2 yellow pieces with the same stitch. If you do this lightly it will not go through the felt; if it does do not worry, it will add character!
9. Once the ribbon is secure, stuff a tiny amount of cotton in the middle of the 2 yellow squares and sew around the sides.
10. You can then add decorative stitches or knot it and cut your thread.

Glued Ornaments:

If you would like to get your children involved, these can be also made with glue instead of sewing. Cut out the shapes of the ornament and put some cotton inbetween the layers. Then place a thin strip of glue around the edges (on the inside), glue the ribbon inside the pieces and hold the ornament in place with clothespins until dry.

Hand made Christmas Ornaments, like people, are unique!  So have fun and create! :)

If you aren't crafty but would love these to adorn your Christmas tree, they are available in sets of 10: http://www.daniellelondon.com/product/merry-christmas-lights-handmade-felt-ornament-set-10